SterlingOne
Super Member
So, Technics offers the SL-1200 with Ortofon 2M Black as a package?
Turntable needed
- Thread starter siouxafrican
- Start date
Trekkie4
Retired Member
I never owned, or had Denon DP-300F, but I've heard (mostly) good reviews about it. I believe the former president, Obama even had one in his office, so if it's good enough for the White House, I'm sure it'll be good enough for you
Not that I know...
Believe it or not, I was referring to 2nd hand sale. Apparently someone around here, locally bought a brand new SL1200GR with Ortofon 2m Black. Either together from the same store, or separately (it really doesn't matter) and then either changed his mind, or went bankrupt & decided to sell them as they are, unopened & never used for $2000.
Don't forget to dress period correct also, enhances the music even further!
Johnny B
Well-Known Member
I tried, but I can’t fit into those 70s pants.
The OP has two options purchase a table with a good reputation that will continue to hold its value and quite possibly increase or purchase a table that the minute the box is opened it seriously depreciates. Huge number of mid-late 70s to early 80s direct drive tables mfg in Japan still functioning perfectly and available for about the same price as a new table mfg in China/Taiwan that will lose half or more of its resale value in 1-2 years. I'd be seriously checking out those Craigslist ads.
MCM_Fan
AK Subscriber
HTHMAN
Super Member
True. CEC made a ton of TTs under many brands. I have an HH Scott branded direct-drive with an ADC arm and it functions as well as mt DD Technics. Does not seem quite as rugged, but it just keeps going.
burmashave
Super Member
the logic of not starting with junk is solid. if you are serious about this, you won't be happy with it very long and will wind up upgrading sooner than later. you might do this several times, each time spending coin you might as well consider gone. I would highly recommend you save up $500 and buy the 1200, or something just as sonically excellent. you'll spend a lot less in the long and the short run. a sub $100 used AT cart should serve you very well. that's where you'll eventually want to spend your money.
These threads come up almost every day. Plenty of good used tables, plenty of inexpensive new tables, but considering how much more things cost now, they have engineered the new tables to keep the cost down rather than the highest quality in my opinion. Many turntables are pretty basic so keeping them maintained is not hard. The more exotic electronics of the past are pretty reliable but their is a chance on older tables to have servo arms and speed controls to need more professional repair.
Personally I don't know why we get all these people asking for our opinions on what tables they should buy. Its kind of like asking for us to pick them out a girl friend for life. Use your judgement, you should know more than us what interest you. Sometimes the best way to learn what you want is jumping off the cliff and learning the hard way.
For me its not hard, simply look and feel the different tables, quality is not hard to distinguish, and for the most part if your serious pay for the best quality you can afford as it usually ends up making the difference between regret or pleasure.
Personally I don't know why we get all these people asking for our opinions on what tables they should buy. Its kind of like asking for us to pick them out a girl friend for life. Use your judgement, you should know more than us what interest you. Sometimes the best way to learn what you want is jumping off the cliff and learning the hard way.
For me its not hard, simply look and feel the different tables, quality is not hard to distinguish, and for the most part if your serious pay for the best quality you can afford as it usually ends up making the difference between regret or pleasure.
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Van_Isle
Super Member
Typically I'd say these threads work the best when someone is looking at a couple specific offerings and wants a quick rundown on which is a better choice or possible pitfalls. Maybe time critical.
So for example, the SL-1300 Mk2. Very good table and the one available locally looks quite nice and a good price, but prone to cueing issues. A relatively cheap part is available to fix it, but on the fully auto 1300 a bit complicated to do ... and so if you're not mechanically inclined to do it yourself, would be an expensive fix.
So for example, the SL-1300 Mk2. Very good table and the one available locally looks quite nice and a good price, but prone to cueing issues. A relatively cheap part is available to fix it, but on the fully auto 1300 a bit complicated to do ... and so if you're not mechanically inclined to do it yourself, would be an expensive fix.
Ken I couldn't said it better. About all I can add is your local craigslist is a good a place as any to start and if you find an original owner that bought that table new 40 years ago and loved it for a lot of years but is downsizing now or hearing isn't what it used to be, has the original box/packing material, accessories and manual/paperwork you hit the gold standard..
On the 1300Mk2 worse case use it manually, if farmed out to fix still worth it, I was shocked at how good my 1300Mk2 sounded, in fact better than 1200Mk2, many are in mint shape not used after that part broke, a real sleeper for short money, bought mine for the headshell/Ortofon cartridge. Even if it cost $200 to fix nothing new in that price range could come within a mile of competing in build and sound quality.
siouxafrican
Member
Yes, I like original owners too, knowing the history is nice to know and interesting!..... I've got a lead, gonna check it out today......but I'm leaning towards buying a direct drive from a electronics shop so I know it's been serviced and guaranteed to work. All the responses have really helped me out! And seems the vintage record players have more value when you have a good one....lol
Trekkie4
Retired Member
Although I DO agree with everything that's been said, I feel the need to comment on one thing...
Buying new table (either brand new, or used) can be a very stressful experience, especially if you're on the tight budget & can't afford any mistakes. Most of folks who ask for advice are just looking to confirm, "backup" their own opinions, or maybe get a better deal, more bang for their buck. Hoping that someone out there went through the same experience & can hopefully give them advice or two. Been there, myself ... just not here on AK.
I remember asking for help & advice on /other/ audio forum regarding the same matter, and help choosing between AT-LP3, AT-LP120 & Denon DP-300F, mainly because I couldn't stretch my budget beyond those models, around $250, 260 top. Unfortunately, I had the misfortune of running into not so friendly audiophiles who felt the need to comment my choice(s) & recommended to buy used SL-1200 instead which eventually led to a fight. Probably the reason why I get easily triggered with these conversations, even years later & always do my best to help others asking the same question, by offering them low-budget alternatives. Thing is, even back then I was no stranger to SL-1200, I remember seeing one in person approx. 5, 6 years ago and I quite literally fell in love with it! So, if there was a way, or chance for me to go with genuine SL-1200, I probably would have, with or without others recommending me to do so. In which case I probably wouldn't have asked for help in the first place. But being unemployed & having other priorities, I had to draw a line somewhere and was therefore hoping that others might have a better insight, ideas on what to do.
Craigslist is not a place to look for these deals. More like USAudiomart or even Audiogon. Asking price will reflect device condition too - do not expect bargains there, people know well what their device is actually worth.
MCM_Fan
AK Subscriber
I think the OP is going to be fine. In a week's time, he has gone from a total beginner with a "simple" question and "no idea what to look for" to having a lead on a clean original owner Technics and looking at serviced models with a guarantee from a local dealer. He seems like a quick study.
Van_Isle
Super Member
Well ... I've gotten some nice one-owner deals off of craigslist ... AR-XA (free), Sony PS-X7 ($20), Technics SA-700 receiver ($20), Energy 22.3 speakers ($80), etc. And not just in the distant past. For example, I missed it, but there was a Sony PS-X45 two days ago, with box, manual, etc for $40.
Often this type of stuff will need work ... sometimes a LOT of work. Much of the US Audiomart and similar stuff will have had that work done (but usually not 'one-owner' then).
There are people on CL that are hobbyists who make the effort to service and are honest ... quite often also being AK members ... and other AKers that are local to you will steer you to them. There are of course also complete scam artists on CL ... and hopefully AKers will also let you know those to avoid.
Becoming an AK subscriber is another good avenue. Sometimes AKers discount Bartertown items.
Often this type of stuff will need work ... sometimes a LOT of work. Much of the US Audiomart and similar stuff will have had that work done (but usually not 'one-owner' then).
There are people on CL that are hobbyists who make the effort to service and are honest ... quite often also being AK members ... and other AKers that are local to you will steer you to them. There are of course also complete scam artists on CL ... and hopefully AKers will also let you know those to avoid.
Becoming an AK subscriber is another good avenue. Sometimes AKers discount Bartertown items.
MCM_Fan
AK Subscriber
Craigslist can be hit or miss, but when it's "hit" you can get a great deal on some really nice gear. It really comes down to local availability, and that changes day to day. I wouldn't rule it out, but would just add the buyer beware caution. Know what you're looking at and how to determine condition and value. Plus, by buying in person, you don't incur the cost or risk of shipping a turntable. People that sell on USAudiomart and Audiogon tend to know how to properly pack and ship a turntable, but it's not cheap and adds to the already high prices on those sites.
In addition to those two online sources, this site's Barter Town forum is another good source. You are buying from a community member. Most tend to accurately describe what they are selling and price their goods lower than sellers on USAudiomart and Audiogon.
Also don't rule out Ebay completely re the risk of shipping. Didn't need it already had one along with at least a half dozen other nice tables but when a SL-1200Mk2 was listed on Ebay by a local seller and it was local pickup only I threw in a bid.
I was the only bidder and drove a short distance to pick up the 1200 that was a one adult original owner table with cartridge, only fault I could find was it was dusty which was cured in about 5 minutes when I got it home. Payed under $200 for it. Moral of the story is if your on the short side for funds you have to be creative take time dig deep to find the bargains. AKs Barter Town is another great resource, local members with more tables than they know what to do with, clean/serviced ready to go with cartridge installed, pick up locally and get to meet a fellow AK member who has a wealth of experience. The only new table I would recommend is the U-Turn Orbit a USA company that puts customer support and satisfaction as a priority. Good luck with the rest of them.
I was the only bidder and drove a short distance to pick up the 1200 that was a one adult original owner table with cartridge, only fault I could find was it was dusty which was cured in about 5 minutes when I got it home. Payed under $200 for it. Moral of the story is if your on the short side for funds you have to be creative take time dig deep to find the bargains. AKs Barter Town is another great resource, local members with more tables than they know what to do with, clean/serviced ready to go with cartridge installed, pick up locally and get to meet a fellow AK member who has a wealth of experience. The only new table I would recommend is the U-Turn Orbit a USA company that puts customer support and satisfaction as a priority. Good luck with the rest of them.